"But for New Year there will also be extra officers and increased staff all night. We have the most staff on that night, compared to the whole Christmas period.

"We want to say to people: 'Come to Coventry over Christmas and New Year and have a good time, without being arrested'.

"We will be out there in force to look after people. We will be acting positively. But if people do commit offences they can expect to be arrested."

Sgt Denley urged revellers using taxis to make sure they pre-book private hire cars and only to flag down black cabs in the street.

Offenders who committed crimes last New Year are being warned of their behaviour through specially designed Christmas cards which are being sent to people who had fixed-penalty notices for being drunk and disorderly or were convicted of burglaries.

Inspector Wendy Bailey, of Little Park Street police station, said: "These cards are all part of our zero tolerance approach to crime and violence in the city centre this Christmas. We want everyone to have a good time and we will be patrolling the streets to help keep people safe."

In Warwickshire extra police will be on duty in Nuneaton, Bedworth, Rugby, Leamington, Kenilworth and Stratford town centres.

Over Christmas there were several fights in Rugby, Kenilworth and Leamington.

A police spokeswoman said: "Extra officers will be on duty to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable night as part of our commitment to protecting the community."